Earth From Orbit: Space Based Monitoring of a Planet in Flux

Jake E. Ferguson

UW Dept. Geography + Environmental Management

UW Water Institute

<ja-fe.github.io>

Lhù’ààn Mân’

or: a somewhat distressing case study



  • Largest lake in the Yukon: 400 km2
  • Hydrologically, ecologically, economically, and culturally vital
  • Water level dropped 2m in one year

Lhù’ààn Mân’

or: a somewhat distressing case study



  • Largest lake in the Yukon: 400 km2
  • Hydrologically, ecologically, economically, and culturally vital
  • Water level dropped 2m in one year





How many lakes are in Canada?





900,000

How many lakes are in Canada?





62% of world total count

900,000

How many lakes are in Canada?





Most of ’em

62% of world total count

900,000

How many lakes are in Canada?

A common problem on planet Earth



  • Millions of km2 to observe (weekly! daily!)
    • Forests [biomass, moisture levels]
    • Water bodies [ice presense, ice type]
    • All current snow cover [density, water equivalent]
  • Something